Veterans, Diagnosis, and VA Claims: What You Need to Know

Bethanie Spangenberg joins the Exposed Vet Podcast to discuss the critical importance of having a proper diagnosis before filing VA disability claims. Veterans pursuing benefits under the PACT Act often overlook this fundamental requirement, resulting in automatic denials.• Medical diagnosis vs legal disability requirements - two different perspectives veterans must navigate• C&P examiners cannot order diagnostic tests, making prior diagnosis documentation essential• Symptoms like pain are not diagnoses - veterans must get proper clinical evaluation before filing• ICD billing codes used by doctors are not the same as VA disability rating codes• Veterans should maintain medical documentation every 12-18 months for ongoing conditions• Legal precedents exist allowing veterans to argue for service connection based on symptoms that later develop into diagnosed conditions• Continuity of treatment not required, but continuity of disease process must be established• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) claims require specialized knowledge and strategy• High blood pressure ratings on VA schedule are dangerously high - medical treatment recommended at much lower levelsVisit valor4vet.com for more information from Bethanie and the team about medically-supported VA claims.Tune in live every Thursday at 7 PM EST and join the conversation! Click here to listen and chat with us. Visit J Basser's Exposed Vet Productions (Formerly Exposed Vet Radioshow) YouTube page by clicking here.